Air Marshal Ripu Daman Sahni, was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in 1950. In his long and distinguished career, spread over 35 years, he has held important Command as well as Staff appointments including command of an operational air base in the Western Sector. Subsequently, he graduated from the National Defence College and has since been assigned several important staff assignments where he put into use his rich experience, competence, meticulous planning and professional expert ise in such a manner that difficult tasks were accomplished to the entire satisfaction of the Air Force.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal in January 1984 he took over charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters at a time when a number of schemes of far reaching implications relating to career prospects of Air Force personnel were to be implemented. It was mainly due to his excellent leadership, clear and far-sighted guidance and deep sense of personal involvement that often apparently conflicting situations were resolved expeditiously and smoothly in his typically quite and efficient manner. He also made valuable contributions towards acceptable and workable solutions to the twin problems of stagnation and supersession that the Air Force has had to face in recent years.

As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, by his dynamic leadership and outstanding management of resources, he has enabled the Command to fulfill all its operational tasks despite diminishing spares. Yet another landmark of his current tenure is re-equipment of a number of Central Air Command squadrons, with Sutlej, Gajraj and Vajra aircraft. This task involved dexterous handling and has been executed in a commendable manner. This has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of not only his Command but also the entire Air Force.

Air Marshal Ripu Daman Sahni, AVSM, has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

Air Marshal Man Mohan Singh was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in January 1951 and has held important Command and Staff appointments, including Command of three Fighter squadrons and two frontline Fighter Air Bases, Senior Air Staff Officer of an operational Command and Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters. He held all these posts in an extremely distinguished manner.

An outstanding Fighter Pilot, Air Marshal MM Singh took active part in Indo-Pak conflict during 1971 and was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry and leadership in the face of the enemy. Subsequently, while commanding a Fighter Station in the Eastern Sector, he set to work with commendable zeal and perseverance despite numerous difficulties and achieve a high state of operational preparedness of the Base. For his outstanding leadership in flying, and application of competent administrative and technical knowledge to enhance combat efficiency of his Station, he was awarded AVSM.

After graduating from the National Defence College, he was posted to be Senior Staff appointment in WAC and designed an integrated air-defence system that continues in practice to this day. Later, as Senior Air Staff Officer of a major operational Command, he was instrumental in enhancing the operational combat capability of various elements and significantly improved the operational preparedness of the Command.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal in 1984, he took over as Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air Headquarters. He continued to display rare qualities of leadership, professional competence and exceptional acumen for planning and execution of tasks of his Branch.

Air Marshal Kuldip Singh Bhatia was commissioned in the Technical Branch of the Indian Air Force in 1951. He has held a wide variety of Command and Staff assignments during his long and meritorious service in the Air Force and has distinguished himself by rare professional competence and outstanding administrative ability.

The important Staff/Command appointments held by him include that of Chief Engineering Officer of a major Fighter station. In recognition of his exceptional ability to combine technical with managerial competence, he was subsequently given Command of an important Base Repair Depot. As the BRD Commander he accomplished all tasks ahead of schedule.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal in February 1985, he took over as the Project Director of Radar and Communication Project Organisation. As a competent Technical Officer and a versatile field engineer, he has displayed a high degree of initiative in planning and installation of the trope, microwave and radar facilities. Thus he has been instrumental in significantly enhancing Air Defence Ground Environment capabilities of the IAF. His selfless devotion to duty has earned him the admiration and respect of the personnel who have had to perform field tasks even in remote and inaccessible mountainous terrain.

Air Marshal Vir Narain Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in January 1951. Since then he has held with distinction a wide variety of assignments. As a Navigator he has the singular distinction of having commanded an operational flying station. In all the posts held by him, during the span of 35 years of service so far, he has distinguished himself not only by rare professional competence but also by outstanding administrative ability. He is a graduate of the National Defence College.

Air Vice Marshal Chotey Lal Gupta was commissioned in the Accounts Branch of Indian Air Force in 1955. Throughout his service, he has distinguished himself in all the Staff appointments held at Stations, Commands and Air Headquarters.

Because of his wide experience in the field of finance he was appointed as Joint Director Accounts in 1980 and was subsequently elevated as Director of Accounts on promotion to the rank of Air Commodore. For nearly a decade he has been virtually the moving spirit behind all important Accounting policies. This has improved the Accounting services in IAF to an exceptionally high standard. For having displayed rare qualities in the field of financial management and planning and co-ordination, he was appointed as Director Financial Planning in 1984, when the Air Force five year plan for 1985-90 was under preparation. Judicious assessment of resources, critical analysis of various projections and close interaction by him with different Branches and Directorates enabled Air Headquarters to present a sound and logical Plan document.

The Revenue Budget of IAF was fully utilised largely because of efforts in constantly monitoring expenditure. New techniques and methodology have also been developed by him to enable critical and effective scrutiny of HAL financial proposals which have paid rich dividends in the form of substantial savings to the Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Chotey Lal Gupta has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.

As the Director of Maintenance Plans and Inspection, an awareness was brought in the maintenance set up of the operating units, to improving the quality of maintenance support while at the same time, reducing the manhours though innovation. Similarly, as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of an Operational Command, he demonstrated exceptional dynamism, his ability for conceptual planning and meticulous execution.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Eng.), he has ensured smooth induction of the new heavy and medium transport aircraft. With his experience in the diverse field of maintenance management, he streamlined the maintenance discipline and guided the specialists to overcome teething troubles associated with the new weapon induction.

Air Vice Marshal Gursharan Singh, VM, VSM, has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Pathathil Venugopal (4431) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 17th January, 1953. He has held several important field and staff appointments at major Stations and Wings and at Air Headquarters. He has also commanded two independent fighter Squadrons and a major fighter base. As the Air Officer Commanding, he was made responsible for rendering relief operations during the MORVI dam disaster in Gujarat.

Later, as the Air Officer Commanding, Advance Headquarters Western Air Command, Simla, he was responsible for planning and coordinating the application of Air Power in two major exercises of the Indian Army for which he earned a good name for the Air Force. As a result of the experience gained, he also made a total revision of the Directive of Joint Operations.

In September 1982, he was posted to Air Headquarters as Director of Air Force Works. In this difficult assignment, he made significant contribution in creating realistic annual and five year plans, oriented towards operational efficiency and improvement in the living and working conditions of the Units. His personal endeavours led to the timely sanctioning of 'Vajra' and 'Shamsher' projects. In July 1984, at an extremely short notice of 20 days, as Officer on Special Duty, he was made solely responsible for creating infraÂ­structure for the inauguration of HQ Southern Air Command, Trivandrum.

With his experience as DAFW, he was selected in July 1984 to serve as Director General, Air Force Naval Housing Board. It is due to his personal involvement that the NOIDA Phase I project has finally been completed.

Air Vice Marshal Didar Singh Sabhiki Flying (Navigator) was commissioned in the Air Force in January 1953 and was awarded the Sword of Honour for standing first in the course. An outstanding navigator who was trained in United Kingdom for Night Fighter Operation where he stood first. AVM Sabhiki is a keen fighter bomber navigator and actively had participated in a number of operational sorties during Chinese and IndoPak Operations of 1965. After the exceptional performance in Nav School as incharge of Advance Nav Course, he was selected for deputation to EGYPT where he worked as the leader of Nav team which included 16 pilots. The team's contribution was lauded so highly that Air Marshal Hoshni Mubarak (now President of Egypt) insisted for the continued retention of AVM Sabhiki on deputation.

After an extremely successful stint as DPS, on proÂ­motion he was posted as Director Air Force Works in August 1984. During his tenure Vajra aircraft was inducted in the Air Force. By constant monitoring and effective control it was possible to meet the works services of this vital project ahead of schedule before the aircraft arrived from France. Further, with the setting up of Southern Air Command in Trivandrum many important projects had to commence in the South and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is to the credit of the officer that by his efficient handling all these projects are moving on schedule. To solve the problems of transportation of construction material to far flung areas and extremely long lead time taken, he introduced on experimental basis preÂ­fabricated structures, one of which has already come up successfully at Car Nicobar.

AVM Sabhiki was the Captain of the Air Force Golf Club from 1982 to 1985. During his stewardship the Club made rapid progress and not only improved its financial holdings but also nursed players to national level.

Air Vice Marshal Didar Singh Sabhiki (4393) has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Girish Krishanlal Desai Lgs. was commissioned in Air Force on 7th March 1953. He has held important assignments in the field, at Command and Air HQ. Right from the beginning he exhibited professional acumen of high order and devoted himself to his duties with single minded zeal.

As the Command Logistics Management Officer of an Operational Command, he ensured that timely logistic support is provided for smooth induction of a series of new weapon systems which were being introduced in IAF. Subsequently, as the Air Officer incharge of Logistics Management of the Maintenance Command, he directed an indepth study into the surplus holdings of the Depots to identify items which could be utilized. This study resulted in considerable savings.

On his taking over as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Logistics), he devoted himself to the task of streamlining the procedures and policies connected with the inventory control of the Indian Air Force. With his penchant for the details and thoroughness, he guided the System Analysts in the maintenance of Information System to ensure that the data compiled are more meaningful for inventory management and brought about an awareness in the system managers to use computerized data as a powerful tool in the administration of the weapon system. Similarly, in the filed of audit objections, with his ability to get the essence of the problems, he guided the staff responsible to achieve target clearance of audit objections, some of which have been outstanding for a long time.

Air Vice Marshal Sreedharan Lakshminarayanan Meteorological joined the IAF Meteorological Branch as Flight Lieutenant in 1958 on secondment from India Meteorological Department. During 27 years tenure in IAF, AVSM 1986 he held a number of important appointments viz Chief Instructor (Met) at AFAC, C Met O at HQ EAC, Trg Comd, WAC and finally was appointed Director of Meteorology at Air Headquarters in May 1977 in the rank of Air Commodore. He was promoted as AVM in Sep 84 and retired from service on 31 Aug 85.

AVM Lakshminarayanan, throughout his career, had a passion of learning. He had special aptitude for Applied Mathematics and successfully devised and applied number of theorems to the theoretical study of cyclones. Culmination of this study led to the publication of his book â€œTheorems of Cyclones" by Indian Meteorological Society in 1984. The book was formally released on 11 Feb 1985 by Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organisation, Prof. Obasi, who profusely commended the work. Apart from the book, a large number of research papers written by him have been published in various Meteorological magazines.

As Director of Meteorology at Air HQ, he ensured that the IAF Met branch kept pace with the fast developing technology and embarked on an ambitious modernization programme of IAF Met Services during the period 197985. He also introduced Advance Course in Satellite Meteorology in IAF which helped in considerable improvement of weather forecasting ability of Metrological officers leading to better Flight Safety environment.

He represented IAF in the International Monsoon Experiment (Monex-79) and acted as Chairman, Aircraft Operation Committee of â€œCyclone Symposium" held at Bhubneswar in Jan 84 which evoked considerable awareness towards disaster preparedness in the cyclone prone areas of our country. Recently he has been appointed Chairman of the Task Force for establishing Cyclone Probing Aircraft facility in the country.

Air Commodore Denzil Keelor, KC, VrC, Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 06 Nov 1954. Right from his formative stage in the Air Force he has shown tremendous potentialities both as a fighter pilot and administrator on the ground. He is a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader with 3500 hrs of accident free flying to his credit. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry in the Indo-Pak conflict of 1965. In 1978, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra for saving two MiG aircraft under conditions of dire emergency in the air. He has commanded a frontline fighter Squadron and was subsequently given the command of the Tactical Combat Development Establishment which he commanded for 4 Â½ years and helped in developing many air combat tactics which are in current use. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.

Air Commodore Surjit Singh Malhotra VM Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 06 Nov 1954. During his long service he has gained vast operational experience in the transport support role. He has successfully commanded a Transport Squadron, NCC Squadron and a Flying Wing besides holding staff appointments in two operational commands and Air Headquarters. During his operational tenures Air Commodore Malhotra has flown over eight thousand six hundred accident free hours which speaks of his operational acumen. Out of the nine types of aircraft which he has flown he had held 'A' Master Green on four.

Despite his preoccupation with normal staff duties as Air II at Western Air Command, Air Cmde Malhotra planned with meticulous care the arrival/departure, parking and security of aircraft of all VIPs during the NAM &CHOGAM in 1983. subsequently, during Nov 84 as AOC AF Stn Palam he made precise and efficient arrangements for the reception and parking of VIP aircraft of all foreign dignitaries who came to attend the funeral of late PM, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

As AOC Palam Air Cmde Malhotra by excellent Planning and optimum utilization of limited resources organized the rescue of about 500 persons, who were affected during the civil disturbances following the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi. He also gave shelter and necessary help out of his meager station resources.

Air Commodore Surjit Singh Malhotra, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Uttam Khushalani, Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in April, 1955. He has held important staff and field appointments including Deputy Director, Data processing and Chief Engineering Officer of an operational flying station under WAC. In 1968 he graduated in the Advanced Air Armament Course at the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune. He took over command of a Base Repair Depot in Oct 83.

This Depot is responsible for the overhaul on AN-12 aircraft and Mi-8 helicopter along with their aeroengines and accessories. Besides the normal task of repair and overhaul, this Depot was also given the additional responsibility of preparation of Mi-8 helicopters for Antarctica Expedition, modification of Akbar helicopters for VVIP standard, preparation of Mi-8 helicopter for operation 'Faith' at Bhopal and modification of Mi-8 for special heliborne operations. Under his able and highly professional guidance the Depot not only completed these special tasks in time but also sent working parties to operational units to bring up serviceability of the Mi-8 fleet by servicing long outstanding AOG helicopters.

Air Commodore Uttam Khushalani has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ran Vir Kumar Accounts was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1956. After early years of service as an Accounts, Officer at various Stations and Wings, he successfully and with colours completed the Air Force Judge Advocate Course. Thereafter, he held with distinction the appointments of Command Judge Advocate at various Command Headquarters and Deputy and Joint Judge Advocate General (Air) at Air Headquarters. In this appointment he has displayed qualities of leadership, organising ability, devotion to duty and professional competence of an exceptional order. In a period of just two years, he has brought about conspicuous and monumental Improvements in all facets of legal administration and was instrumental in creation of formal department of the Judge Advocate General (Air). Without compromising on quality and fairness of justice, by his constant drive and vigorous efforts, he drastically reduced the delays in disciplinary cases in the Air Force. He undertook writing, printing and publication of a number of books/aid memoirs, which have proved to be extremely useful in the dispensation of justice. He is also engaged in the production of a film on disciplinary procedure in the Air Force.

Air Commodore Ran Vir Kumar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Syed Mohammed Osama Medical in his early career had served as Medical Officer at Air Force Station, Hakempet. He obtained his grading in general medicine in Feb 63 and was classified as a specialist in general medicine in 1968. Ever since his grading in medicine he has been working as a medical specialist in smaller and larger hospitals of Army and Air Force. He commanded 4 Air Force Hospital from Jan 68 to Oct 69. He has also been the head of a Med Division of the Base Hospital at Lucknow and has also served as an editor of the Journal of Aviation Medicine (India) since 1982, published by the AeroÂ­medical Society of India. He was posted to Central Medical Establishment as Senior Adviser in Medicine on 21 Jul 80 and has also been the President of this Establishment.

While serving at Air Force Hospital Bangalore, he has been recognised by the Bangalore University as a PostÂ­graduate teacher in medicine, and has been teaching postgraduate students of aviation medicine, and general medicine, in the Bangalore University, Air Force Hospital and the Institute of Aviation Medicine. He has to his credit original research work and has published more than 20 papers in various medical journals. He is now engaged in a Research Project in collaboration with Professor M.K. Bhatia of All India Institute of Medical Sciences for upgrading aircrew who are originally labelled as doubtful cases of heart diseases. As President of the Medical Board of AFCME he has brought a highly mature sense of professional judgment to bear on the decision of medical categorisation of service aircrew and ground duty officers serving with the Armed Forces and with Civil Aviation.

Group Captain Avinash Chander Goel Flying (Plot) is a fighter pilot, commissioned in May 1962, qualified on MiG aircraft and has over 2000 hours of accident free operational flying to his credit. He was specially trained abroad, is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has also studied Engineering discipline at the post graduate level at the Institute of Armament Technology at Pune. He is also an Associate Member of the Aeronautical Society of India. After promotion to the selective rank of Wing Commander, he has held consecutively two command appointments, the first being the command of an operational squadron followed by that of a station (Forward Base and Supply Unit, FBSU), equipped with MiG aircraft and surfaceÂ­toair missiles. It was under his command that the station (FBSU) was adjudged the best in the whole of the Western Air Command and awarded covetous trophy for the same.

On completion of his second command tenure, he was posted as Staff Officer at the Military Wing of the Cabinet Secretariat, where he worked as the Secretary of the senior most committees such as those of Defence Minister, Chief of Staff and Principal Personnel Officers, seized of major operational, personal and administrative issues. His responsibility encompassed the complete spectrum of secretariat work for these committees, a difficult task that he executed commendably and with distinction. His personal contribution to the functioning of the Principal Personnel Officer Committee (PPOC) has been outstanding. He made extensive efforts to facilitate the smooth functioning of this committee. He worked behind the scenes, briefing, discussing with concerned staff at the three Service HQs, so that coordination upward was achieved at grass root level and consensus opinion arrived at unanimously at the meeting of the AVSM 1986-87 PPOC. Further, at his own he continuously studied and analysed the changes in terms and conditions of the central Government employees, assessed their applicability or otherwise to the Services, brought out the relevant aspects to the knowledge of PPOC.

Flight Lieutenant Satish Purshottam Aparajit was a member of the successful TransHimalayan Motor Expedition. The expedition drove through frozen wastes, ravine deserts at high altitude and over 15 mountain passes facing hostile winds lashing against the rocky terrain in sub-zero temperatures, avalanches and storms. On the 28th February, 1984, one of the vehicles of the expedition met with an accident and fell down a cliff of over 1,000 metres. Flt Lt Aparajit descended for rescue by using rappelling rope down a vertical rock face into the ravine covered with thick undergrowth to carry out search for the casualties. He was able to find one of the members who had suffered multiple fractures. After having given him mouth to mouth respiration, he quickly brought a doctor to him for rendering medical aid. Thereafter he brought up the wounded member of the team on his back most of the way. When he was climbing the last vertical rock, the anchor of the rope gave way and he slipped more than 100 feet but was lucky to survive. He held on to the wounded member of his team with great determination and brought him safely to the road head.

On the 25th September, 1984, Pilot Officer Radha Krishna Balabhadra was authorised to carry out his fourth sortie on MiG aircraft. During the course of the flight at an altitude of 10 Kms., the canopy perspex of the aircraft shattered and as a result raining glass and plastic fragments fell on him. The aircraft was left with only jagged remnants of the canopy on the left side. The tremendous air blast made it extremely difficult and hazardous for the Officer to even open his eyes and look ahead. Simultaneously he also experienced the accompanied shock of explosive decompression. Pilot Officer Balabhadra, with negligible experience on such aircraft exhibiting great alertness, confidence and coolness descended rapidly, selecting the Identification friend or foe on to emergency, and carried out a safe landing having catered for the extra speed and power required due to the damaged state of the aircraft.

On the 8th Sept. 1984, Flight Cadet Mohinder Jeet Singh Bains, who was undergoing Advance stage training at an Air Force Training Institution, was authorised to fly a Low Level Navigation sortie with a chase pilot. Just after take off, he experienced an engine flame-out. Facing the most critical emergency in a single engine jet aircraft. Flt Cdt Mohinder Jeet Singh Bains, inspite of his very limited experience as a trainee pilot, was calm. He turned the stricken aircraft away from heavily populated areas to head for a lake in order to avoid loss of lives on the ground and damage to civilians property. Thereafter, following the drills he had been taught, he jettisoned the canopy and put the aircraft smoothly down, wheels up, on the edge of the lake. The aircraft skimmed along the water and slowed down about three hundred meters into the lake, then nosed into settle wings level on the bottom, twenty feet down. Underwater, Flt Cdt Bains unstrapped himself from his seat and his parachute, disconnected his oxygen tube and came out of the cockpit. But immediately he got entangled in the weeds in the lake. Though weighed down by his boots and overalls, he made a tremendous effort and almost reached the surface but the weeds pulled him down. He attempted to remove his boots and by the time he unlaced one, he had suffocated and drowned.

On the 1st November, 1984, Warrant Officer Sharma, who was residing in Palam Colony area, sheltered 12 members of minority community in his house to save their lives from the rioteers. In doing this, Warrant Officer Sharma risked the lives of his own family members as the rioteers got some hint that the minority community members were hiding in his house. They surrounded the house and threatened Warrant Officer Sharma with dire consequences if he did not hand over the people sheltered by him. Warrant Officer Sharma maintaining calm, tried to convince these miscreants that his house did not shelter any body. Not fully satisfied, the rioteers continued to keep watch on his house and his activities. On the night of 2nd November, 1984, Warrant Officer Sharma found an opportunity and evacuated first batch of six members of one family sheltering in his house. However before the second lot of 6 people could be moved to safety, the rioteers once again surrounded the house. Warrant Officer Sharma putting his own life at serious risk, argued with the rioteers and did not allow them to enter his house. His house remained surrounded by miscreants for 48 hours and he himself remained outside keeping their attention diverted. After two days, the family of 6 members was evacuated.

Warrant Officer Harkanwal Krishan Sharma thus displayed exemplary courage and presence of mind in extremely adverse circumstances at grave risk to his own life and lives of his family members.

Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal VM is commanding a Helicopter Unit since 6 Dec 81. His meticulous planning and optimization of limited resources have helped the Unit in achieving an impressive total of 6661 hours of Accident-Free Flying till date. Under his command the unit took part successfully in 33 special Heliborne Exercises, flying an aggregate of 679 hours. As a Type Force Commander in most of these exercises, each involving as many as 15 helicopters, he not only excelled in their operational execution, but also displayed administrative competence and technical understanding of an exceptional order that contributed substantially to the overall success of the participating elements. His personal involvement and invaluable supervision were instrumental in shaping a proficient and effective operational helicopter force. As a leader of a formation of 9 helicopters in the Feb 82 Fire Power Demonstration he demonstrated his abundant proficiency and professionalism that were observed and applauded by civilian and service dignitaries alike.

Under the able guidance and command of Wing Commander Chahal the unit undertook the challenging task of operations over the Siachen Glacier, airlifting 245 tonnes of vital army supplies, involving 670 hours of flying in a hostile environment above inhospitable terrain. The facile manner in which these operations were carried out was due to the unit commander's aggressive and imaginative planning. During 'Operation Blue Star' he personally supervised and actively participated in operations which required constant night patrols and immediate evacuation of casualties.

As the commanding officer of a helicopter unit for three years and six month, Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal has displayed superior qualities of leadership, a high sense of duty, and enthusiastic interest in raising the maintenance standards of the unit and its operational potential.

For his devotion to duty, excellent administrative capability and exceptional qualities as an Air Force Officer, which enhance the prestige of the service, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal.

Group Captain Bibakar Ghose (4797) Flying (Pilot) was deputed as the Packet Task Force Commander for participating in Op Meghdoot at the stage of it launching in Apr 84. Gp Capt Ghose had to plan and execute the arduous task of air maintenance by Packet a/c in the Siachien Glacier area. The flying environment in the glacier is perhaps one of the most difficult areas in the world. This mountainous terrain covered with snow round the year experiences the worst of weather conditions like snow, blizzard, severe turbulence. As the Commander of the task force which was called up to operate in such a terrain, Gp Capt Ghose displayed exemplary qualities of leadership. Notwithstanding the difficulties in servicing the old vintage machines, the task force carried out a commendable job in achieving the task allotted at the beginning of operations. He and his boys flew a number of sorties in the proximity of enemy territory with possible intervention by enemy fighter, over those unchartered areas and with professional skill of the highest order he could deliver the urgently required supplies to the ground forces deployed in various parts of the glacier. To cap it up, the Dropping Zone in the area become frequently unmarked as the marking get obliterated quite often due to blizzards and snow. In the all white environment, flying on the fringes of performance limits of the aircraft and dropping at unmarked DZs under various weather conditions require all the courage and skill from the aircrew. Gp Capt Ghose displayed abundance of it and carefully planned training of other junior pilots to undertake these sorties. The most difficult task was made to look very routine and this was possible through determination and high sense of duty on the part of Gp Capt Ghose. The task force continues to carry out air maintenance in the Siachien Glacier.

When assigned the task of carrying out first ever night cross country to Leh and night landing there, the officer with his vast flying experience and outstanding professional ability, meticulously planned the night mission from Srinagar to Leh and back. On 13 Jul 84 Gp Capt Dibakar Ghose took off from Srinagar and airfield at 2230 hrs displaying great sense of commitment, captain of Packet aircraft and successfully landed the a/c at Leh at midnight.

He has displayed outstanding courage, qualities of leadership unmatched professional competence and devotion to duty in best traditions of the INDIAN AIR FORCE. The President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Group Captain Dibakar Ghose.

Wing Commander Dharamvir Singh Trehan (7325) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) has been on the posted strength of an Air Force Station as Chief Engineering Officer since 30 Apr 84. Being the CEO of the biggest helicopter base under HQ J&K, IAF he also performs the duties of the Technical Adviser for Cheetah Helicopter to one of the Command Headquarters.

On 18 Nov 84, Wg Cdr DVS Trehan was detailed as the Team leader of a technical party to retrieve one damaged Cheetah helicopter stranded at the forward outpost of Bila Fondla in the snow-bound Siachen Glacier. The task involved change of main rotor blades, service the engine and declare it fit for ferry out to Base Camp.

Though the task is of a routine nature in the plains, yet the same is significant and almost and insurmountable one at that high elevation of the glacier. Besides its location being at an elevation of 18,000ft, the post is swept by high winds exceeding 40 kmph with prevalent temperatures ranging between -15Â°C to -30Â°C during this period of the year. The shelling by enemy at the post was intense and mostly aimed at the helicopter location, may be with an aim to destroy the aircraft completely. With his absolute personal involvement, sound directions, and resoluteness, Wing Commander Trehan could ensure that the task was completed at the earliest. Inspite of great handicaps due to weather, non-availability of air support in time, high altitude sickness like chilblains to technicians and enemy interruption, the rotor blades were changed, engine serviced and aircraft flown out in eight working hours at the post on five different dates. This included besides the technical job, sheer physical labour of removing the snow to clear the skids and pulling out the helicopter to a level ground about 50 meters away from the original spot.

The entire team under the leadership of Wg Cdr Trehan worked incessantly with total dedication, great professional expertise, courage and complete disregard to personal safety under the most adverse conditions and in the face of enemy. The performance of the leader of the team is not only commendable but singularly responsible for saving a costly aircraft from certain destruction by enemy by retrieving it at the shortest possible time.

For his exceptional performance in the retrieval operation in the face of enemy activity, upholding the best traditions of the services, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Dharmvir Singh Trehan.

Wing Commander Teja Mohan Asthana (7672) Flying (Pilot) has been on the posted strength of Tactics & Combat Development & Training Establishment, AF since 24 Oct 83. This is the second tenure of this Officer in this Establishment where he had spent over 2 years earlier. During this tenure he has held the portfolios of officer i/c Operations, Officer i/c Development and is currently the Deputy Commandant of the Establishment.

During his tenure as the Officer i/c Development he has been the guiding spirit behind the sudden surge of development activity that this Establishment has undertaken since mid 1984. This was indeed a very sorely needed fillip to the Establishment which had got so involved with training flying that Development work had virtually ground to a halt. The Air Force felt the need for new ideas and concepts from this Premier Establishment, and in Wg Cdr TM Asthana we found the man to match this need. His untiring efforts, long hours of hard work and total dedication to the job at hand lifted this Establishment out of the doldrums. He has an absolutely professional approach and the patience born of knowledge which is so vital towards development work. During his tenure as O i/c Development this Establishment has completed trials on a number of Air Combat and Ground Attack aspects of operations which have changed out basic ideas of Combat and applied them to real time situations. His attention to detail and thoroughness has ensured that all these ideas have gone out to the Air Force in clear unequivocal terms.

There is no doubt that Wg Cdr TM Asthana is the guiding spirit behind the sudden renaissance of development work in this Establishment. For his professionalism, keenness, dedication and sheer hard work, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Wing Commander Teja Mohan Asthana.

Wing Commander Inder Jit Singh Boparai (7691) F (P) has been on operational fighter flying assignments throughout his service career of 21Â½ years in the Air Force. He has attained 'Fully Operational' status on all the MiG-21 variants and has to his credit over 2000 hrs flying on those types. An Instrument Rating Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader on type, he was a member of MiG-21 formation aerobatic team. It was due to his contribution in no small measure as a Flt Cdr that the Sqn was adjudged the Best Fighter Squadron of the year by Director of Air Staff Inspection for 4 consecutive years. It was also his timely report of K-5 missiles evaluation and flt trials highlighting its limitations that prevented an ineffective weapon being contracted for thereby saving valuable foreign exchange.

With his vast experience and background, ha was selected to Command the first Rakshak Squadron. He was assigned the dual task of raising a new fighter squadron and simultaneously inducting a new fighter aircraft into the Air Force. With tremendous enthusiasm and personal involvement, with extremely limited trained manpower, he not only overcame the initial teething troubles but took on additional task of taking over the group sets for the Base Repair Depot. It was his meticulous planning and foresight in utilising the aircraft that flying effort was built up in a phased manner with proper stagger. The Squadron has flown a total of over 4500 hrs in less than 3 years and considering the heavy constraints of lack of spares and high Aircraft On Ground state - this is a vary creditable achievement indeed.

In May 04, Wg Cdr IJS Boparai became the first pilot to land Rakshak aircraft at Leh, the highest operational airfield in the world, and again it was his personal involvement and guidance which helped in overcoming starting problems at this height. His suggestions have now been incorporated as a standard for all MiG-21s.

With over 500 hrs on type to his credit, in every phase of flying, Wg Cdr Boparai undertook the initial sorties himself, and utilising the aircraft potential to the full has today established the Rakshak as an effective weapon system capable of countering even F-16 type of threat with suitable tactics. Besides the progress of the Squadron, he has put up suggestions which have effectively enhanced operational effectiveness.

For his very high degree of professional competence and dedicated hard work which has resulted in the Rakshak fleet becoming a viable operational weapon system, for his total devotion to duty and his sustained contribution towards betterment of the service, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Inderjit Singh Boparai.

Wing Commander Shashindra Pal Tyagi (8130) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Air Force on 31st December, 1963. A Fighter Pilot of proven merit, he is both a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader. He has participated in 1965 Indo-Pak Operations flying Hunter aircraft and in the 1971 Indo-Pak Operations flying MiG aircraft. To date, he has to his credit 2800 hours of jut fighter flying.

Since December, 1982, Wg Cdr Tyagi has been commanding a frontline Strike Fighter Squadron. The Operational role of the Sqn is very demanding and accordingly the training has had to be optimised for its operational tasks. During his tenure, the Sqn has achieved a very high level of operational preparedness and has come out with distinction in flying exercises and commitments entrusted to it. It was recently under his leadership and planning that for the first time ever, a detach ment of Fighter aircraft was able to operate from a far flung Indian island territory. During his tenure, he has displayed unending enthusiasm, dynamism and professional competence in managing both his material and manpower resources. It is a direct reflection on his leadership and the performance of the Sqn that has resulted in the Sqn being adjudged the best Fighter Sqn in Western Air Command for two years running. On the welfare front, he has introduced many novel facilities to ensure that concurrent with the high professional output, the welfare of his personnel is equally covered. Throughout his tenure, Wing Commander Shashindra Pal Tyagi has displayed a very high level of professionalism, dedication and qualities of leadership in true traditions of the Air Force.

For his devotion to duty, high professional skill and exceptional qualities of leadership, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Command Shashindra Pal Tyagi.

Wing Commander Surinder Sawhney was commissioned on 31 Dec 63 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. He has been posted to the Directorate General National Cadet Corps as Deputy Director (Air) since Dec 81. His duties include supervision of gliding, flying, AeroÂ­adventure activities, other training activities and coordination of maintenance, repair and provisioning of new gliders and other aviation equipment in the 54 NCC Air Wing Squadrons throughout the country. During his tenure in the NCC, Wg Cdr Sawhney with his high level of initiative, consistent application and dedicated hard work has been able to achieve many noteworthy milestones of which the main ones are firstly; revision and updating of gliding Standard Operating Procedures and admin instructions for National Cadet Corps/National Defence Academy issued 10 years earlier; secondly, achievement of 75% serviceability state on gliders which are more than 20 years old through excellent planning of repair programme and effective monitoring; thirdly 64,300 launches of gliders in one year, the highest in the history of the NCC; fourthly, reducing the accident rate from 7 to 3, the lowest accident rate in 10 year; fifthly has personally planned and safely executed four Air Shows on gliders in Delhi including for the first time formation of aerobatics display during the IAF Golden Jubilee and sixthly working out modernization plan of gliders and winches into the NCC Air Sqns which includes induction of new gliders at present and planning the future induction upto 1990.

Among the gliders planned for induction into the NCC is the, new Microlight aircraft. During a demonstration flight of Microlight aircraft on 27 Jan 84 in the PM's NCC Rally over the Army Parade Ground, the propeller of the aircraft bloke at a height of 50 feet resulting in severe vibrations and the machine getting almost out of control. In this situation of grave emergency, Wg Cdr Sawhney fully aware of the presence of distinguished audience consisting of PM, RM, RRM, Services Chiefs and many other Foreign dignitaries displayed exceptional professionalism and landed the aircraft safely. The emergency and the landing was handled and executed with such professional coolness that the grave emergency, which could have resulted in a grave disaster, came to light much later and was specifically appreciated by the distinguished members of the audience. This act of Wg Cdr Sawhney not only saved a valuable aircraft and a near disaster but was a great morale booster for the young cadets from throughout India who were watching the display.

Wg Cdr Sawhney, through his personal contribution and single minded dedication, has done yeoman services in pioneering this aero-sport into India, which has motivated a lot of young students to enter the aviation wing of the NCC and the IAF. The sustained hard work put in by Wg Cdr Sawhney and his exceptional handling of the emergency in the air have been in the highest traditions of the NCCC and the IAF.

For Wg Cdr Sawhney's exceptional initiative, devotion, professional skill, leadership and airmanship qualities displayed in the air wing of to NCC, the President is pleased to award him the Vayu Sena Model

Wing Commander Krishna Balakrishna Menon has been posted to a fighter squadron as Commanding Officer since 02 May 83.

Wg Cdr Menon took over the Squadron at a stage when not even a single pilot was fully ops on type. He took the challenge ad through his exceptional organizing ability, dedication and professional skill, brought the Squadron to fully operational state. Presently, all the pilots are fully operational and are 100% rated and as a consequence the Squadron was adjudged the best instrument rated Squadron in the Air Force for 1984. His unit has been given the additional role of Type Training Squadron. He undauntedly took the additional responsibility and accomplished the demanding task of completing conversion of 28 pilots during his tenure as CO.

Wg Cdr Menon is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has 4100 hours of flying to his credit. During exercise "Yudh Abhiyas" his Squadron operated from two locations with limited resources and achieved the task without an incident. Because of his analytical approach, keenness for imparting knowledge and able guidance, this unit has a very good Flight Safety record. He has always displayed exemplary behavior, exceptional resourcefulness and ensured effective utilization of major sources of men and material. He has kept the Squadron as a cohesive unit with extremely high morale because of his personal example, correct guidance, perception of subordinates problems and unusual gift of putting people at ease.

Under the capable leadership of Wg Cdr KB Menon the Squadron was the first Vijay Squadron to become operational in the use of Instrument Runway rating system and to undertake offensive air support by night. Having achieved this capability, his was the only unit to take part in exercise "GLOW WORM I & II" where full capability of IRLS equipment was exploited both by day and night. This went a long way in enhancing the operational image of the Air Force.

For his qualities of leadership, accomplishment of objectives, exceptional professional skill and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Krishna Balakrishna Menon.

Wing Commander Gurdip Singh has commanded three Helicopter Units since Dec 77. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor with current A/Master Green category and has logged over 5400 hours of accident free flying on single engine aircraft which includes approximately 3000 hours of instructional on HT-2, Mi-4 and Chetak. He is also experienced on Anti-Tank Guided Missile and qualified gliding instructor having approximately 700 launches. His high altitude helicopter flying experience includes flying in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bhutan, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. He has also undertaken extensive flying in the Rajasthan desert. During his present tenure as Commanding Officer of a Helicopter Unit, the unit has flown a total of 6,500 hours giving a high monthly utilisation rate of over 55 hours per helicopter. During the past 21 months in this unit he has been the only Qualified Flying Instructor available and has flown approximately1000 hours and has been responsible for training to fully operational stage and categorisation of 25 pilots.

Wg Cdr Gurdip Singh also has to his credit a number of mercy missions which required skill of a high order. Some of these are:â€¢ Search followed by Evacuation of two members of Kamet expedition from 16,000 feet altitude on 10th October 1983.â€¢ Extensive search of Hungarian expedition given up as lost and dropping of vital supplies at an altitude of over 19,000 feet on 29th October 1983.â€¢ Immediate food supply drop to train passengers stranded after flash floods near Tikona on 12 Sep 83. â€¢ Recovery of MiG-21 pilot after ejection 20 Kilometers from the airfield in a record time of 25 minutes.

An example of the officer's administrative and professional skill is given by the fact that under his Command two Helicopter Units - one has been adjudged the best Helicopter Unit in WAC in 1979-80 and the other in Central Air Command in 1983-84.

The achievements which the officer has to his credit have resulted from a high sense of maturity, dedication to duty and sustained long hours of work under trying conditions. For his overall performance, in particular his achievements as Commanding Officer, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Gurdip Singh.

During the tenure of Wg Cdr N Minocha, the Squadron ran seventeen very productive detachments for flying commitments and coped with all maintenance problems associated with the second line servicing. He guided and encouraged relatively inexperienced officers of his unit to greater professionalism.

The Squadron won the overall Arjuna 83 Armament Trophy for the first time in its history after bagging both the straffing and bombing trophies. The officer personally flew about 300 hrs comprising of 600 sorties and coped very professionally with one incident of booster hydraulic failure at night.

The Squadron, under his guidance and directions flew an average of over 300 sorties per month inspite of operating frequently as a split squadron and in unusually restrictive and hostile local flying environment created by blue bull and small bird menace. Although there were many small bird-hit incidents in his unit due to the local environment, in each case, his aircrew showed a high degree of professionalism in coping with the occurrence and two aircrew were given green endorsement in their Flying Log Books.

It can be confidently stated that under the able Command of Wg Cdr N Minocha, the squadron achieved many Operational improvements and the unit continuously bettered its performance in all spheres and at the same time maintained espiritÂ­deÂ­corps which was an example to the rest of the station.

For his exceptional qualities of leadership, management and for his tireless striving towards perfection of his Squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Narendra Minocha.

Wing Commander Dilip Kamalakar Dighe is in the Command of "Thunderbolts" since Nov 82 and has ably performed the aerobatic display task in a most splendid manner.

He has very competently lead the intricate, thrilling and breathtaking formation displays on various occasions all over the country, and even abroad, in a most praiseworthy manner. His efforts and performance have been applauded and appreciated not only by the Chiefs of air Staff themselves but has won many accolades from many National and International dignitaries. Wg Cdr Dighe is an outstanding professional who combines skill with knowledge and comes out with innovative ideas. It was under his guidance and leadership that 'Thunderbolts' emitted red trails for the first time while executing 'Thunderbolts' aerobatic manoeuvres over Vijay Chowk during the 'Beating The Retreat' Ceremony in Jan 05. This remarkable feat literally added colour to the fine performance so skillfully executed. The success of the display mainly rested on his dynamic drive and flawless execution.

In addition, when the Squadron was assigned the dual roles of display as wall as operation, Wg Cdr Dighe set the ball rolling by providing the right guidance and setting right priorities. He ensured that pilots became fully Ops at the fastest pace even while training for the displays. With his foresight, calm approach and meticulous planning, he moved the Squadron to new location in a very smooth manner which was only possible with hits utmost devotion and dedication.

In recognition of his skilful flying, outstanding leadership both in the air and on ground, devotion to duty and exemplary supervision, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr DK Dighe.

Wing Commander Krishnakumar Vasant Bodaradikar (10091) F (P) has been in Command of Central Air Command Communication Flight since 17 Jan 83. He is a qualified A-2 Instructor on type and holding A/Master Green Category/Rating on Avro aircraft since 1977. He was also an Air Force examiner on Avro aircraft and was a member of Aircrew Examining Board. He has over 5446 hours of flying of flying experience and during his stay he had flown 455 hours. He was instrumental, with his vast experience and professional skill and knowledge, for the unit's ability to achieve 100% categorization. His instructional experience helped in consolidating the flying skill and professional knowledge of ab-initio pilots posted in from Transport Training Wing, AF and thus obtaining initial categorisation of such pilots within a short period of 6 months. His involvement with the maintenance staff and professional inquisitiveness helped solving major problems in Avro's windscreen heating and imparting the solutions to other Avro operating units, thus avoiding unwanted expenditure involving foreign exchange/colossal repair charges at HAL Kanpur. His innovativeness in handling maintenance problems helped in keeping the aircraft 100% serviceable except during periodical servicing. His keenness and self reliance also enabled the unit to carry out Check servicing on the aircraft at Allahabad itself.

A keen sportsman Wing Commander Bopardikar took active part in Unit/Station/ Command sports activities. Due to his zeal there was a sudden spurt of sports activities of the unit. His contribution towards the bringing up of a Golf course at Air Force Station Allahabad itself speaks volumes of his interest and dedication towards sports.

Wing Commander KV Bopardikar took personal interest in the problems of his men facing accommodation/schooling problems etc and helped in alleviating them. Always lending a helping hand to personnel of the unit and others, he endeared himself to all.

For his devotion to duty, dedication and professional competence in the best traditions of the Fair Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Krishnakumar Vasant Bopardikar. Authority: Notification No. 36-Pres/86 dated 26th January, 1986 published in Part 1, Section 1, Gazette of India dated 19th April, 1986.

During Oct 84, there was an urgent requirement of air maintenance at GYONG LA 3 post, situated at 4750 meters in the SIACHEN GLACIER. The post has constantly remained under the surveillance of opposing forces. Prevailing severe winter conditions made it imperative that air drops of fibre Glass Huts and Kerosene be carried out on utmost priority. Mi-8 helicopter, while operating in this area is not only fraught with danger of operating beyond its flight envelope, but each mission at Gyong La 3 post, came under heavy machine gun fire from opposing forces. Squadron Leader Suhas Clement Solomon (10987) Flying (Pilot) was specially chosen for this High Risk task. Unmindful of his personal safety, he displayed unflinching courage, determination, dedication and successfully flew 45 missions in 4 days, and carried out precision drops inspite of marginal weather conditions. To avoid coming under machine gun fire from opposing forces, he had perforce to fly at height as low as 10 meters. His actions not only alleviated the sufferings of the troops and raised their morale but were highly appreciated by Senior Army and Air Force Officers.

Sqn Ldr SC Solomon has so far flown 211 High Risk missions over the SIACHIN GLACIER area since Apr 84, inclusive of 60 missions at Gyoug La 3 post. He has airlifted 90.225 tons of vital combat loads and essential supplies. In an outstanding feat in those operations, he created history in helicopter aviation by landing Mi-8 helicopter at a height of 4700 meters with the purpose of evaluating the helipad for landing of expensive and short supplied Fibre Glass Huts, which were suffering damage in spite of low drops.

Sqn Ldr Solomon has flown a total of 4257 operational sorties to date, of which 4000 sorties are from helipads in Eastern and Northern hills. For exhibiting total dedication, devotion to duty, exemplary professional competence and dauntless courage while operating in hazardous terrain, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Suhas Clement Solomon.

Squadron Leader Harbans Singh Bath is an experienced helicopter pilot and very competent Qualified Flying Instructor currently holding A/Master Green CAT/ Instrument rating on Mi-8 Helicopter. He is at the moment one of the most experienced helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and has over 5000 hours to his credit.

Sqn Ldr HS Bath was inducted into Operation Meghdoot in the month of March 84. He has been actively operating in the Siachen Glacier area and has flown as many as 170 sorties. On many occasions, Sqn Ldr Bath has undertaken flawlessly much needed air maintenance sorties under inclement weather conditions and within enemy fire to C-3 and BILLA FONDLA dropping zones and has successfully dropped the delicate and cumbersome loads like pre-fabricated huts without any damage, displaying daunt less courage and precision. Sqn Ldr Bath is one of the pilots to have undertaken trial landing at Forward Logistic Base at the height of 4.7 Kms to explore the possibilities of causality evacuations and landing supplies in extreme emergency, thus creating a world record by landing a Mi-8 helicopter at such an altitude. All these tasks involved using the helicopter at its peak performance under adverse conditions which demands a very high degree of competence and professional skill of the pilot.

Sqn Ldr HS Bath being a QFI has been responsible for the operational training of the unit pilots. It is due to his single handed effort and selfless dedication that the unit pilots could be trained in the Siachen glacier area to undertake demanding and herculean task. Throughout his stay in the unit, Sqn Ldr HS Bath has been a living example of courage, dedication and devotion to duty. He has always been a source of inspiration to the others. Putting service before self and unmindful of his personal safety he has always come out with flying colours whenever entrusted with any challenging task, no matter what the odds were.

For displaying dauntless courage, initiative, professional skill and devotion to duty of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Harbans Singh Bath.

Squadron Leader Rajiv Kumar Lakhwara is an experienced pilot with over 900hours on Badal aircraft and is also an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor.

On 14 Jun 84 he was authorised to fly an air combat sortie as No 2. Just as the aircraft got airborne, the Senior Flying Supervisor in Air Traffic Control noticed that the Starboard main wheel had separated from the undercarriage, leaving only the ceramic disc attached to the undercarriage oleo leg. This was communicated to the pilot who took stock of the situation and decided that he would, as is permitted, land with the main undercarriage selected up and the nose wheel down.VM (G) 1986-87

Throughout this critical emergency, made all the more trying because considerable time had perforce to be spent in the air, Sqn Ldr Lakhwara remained, cool, calm and collected. Though there must have been considerable anxiety in his mind, Sqn Ldr Lakhwara patiently awaited the laying of foam along the runway, orbitting overhead and burning fuel. Once he was cleared to land, he set about doing so in a highly professional manner. Fuel was consumed to reduce the fire risk on landing after which he carried out an approach and overshoot. Thereafter he came into land, touching down precisely at a point just after where the foam had been spread. The aircraft landed on the noseÂ­wheel and airbrake, travelled some 900 meters and came to a stop on the shoulder of the runway. The damage sustained was negligible.

Sqn Ldr R Lakhwara has displayed profes sionalism of the highest order. His calm demeanour, totally unfazed by the situation is worthy of emulation and is in the best traditions of the Air Force.

For exceptional manner in which Squadron Leader Rajiv Kumar Lakhwara has handled this serious emergency by which minimal damage was caused to a valuable aircraft, the President is pleased to award him the Vayu Seva Medal.

Squadron Leader Anup Rajkumar Nigam (13240) F (P) is on the posted strength of "the Thundorbolts" since Sep 81. He was attached for three months before this on selection of formation aerobatic team. His effective association with Thunderbolts is from May 81. He is the pioneer member of nine aircraft team. During the Golden Jubilee year the Thundorbolts performed extremely well for which he has been commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.

Today, Sqn Ldr Nigam is a Senior Flight Commander of the Squadron. He has a very large share in excellent performance of the Squadron all along. The formation Aerobatic Team was undergoing changes and rotation of pilots began after Golden Jubilee year. The task was heavy on the unit and he has been instrumental in training new members of this Thunderbolt team. His supervision, guidance and constant effort that has given the unit safe and eventful flying. He has always put service before self and on every field he has produced wonders. As a Unit Flight Safety Officer, he has worked hard in promoting safety and in conducting safe flying. As a Mess secretary he judged the weak areas of the Mess and put in lot of work to improve it.

During the Republic Day celebration of 1985, the "Thunderbolts" performed over Vijay Chowk. He was the Deputy leader of the formation. The performance was excellent and appreciated by one and all. This was the first time Thunderbolts had displayed with red colour. The success of detachment was mainly because of his meticulous planning and execution.

Sqn Ldr Nigam is only member who has taken part in each and every display of Thunderbolts in last 3 years and nine months. The first member to gain operational status when unit was given operational role, today he is Senior Flight Commander handling dual role of the unit successfully.

For his constant hard work, devotion to duty and exemplary supervision, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Anup Rajkumar Nigam.

A Cheetah helicopter had force landed in the SIACHIN GLACIER in Ladakh sector at an altitude of 18,100 ft during Operation Meghdoot. It was found that helicopter damage warranted disassembly and retrieval of the helicopter to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for structural repairs. Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Pal Singh Cheema volunteered to lead a team of men detailed for the task despite first hand knowledge of the hazards of high altitude, lack of oxygen and sub-zero temperature survival in the glacier. Unavoidable delay in retrieval operations due to nonavailability of air support caused tremendous stress on the man management capability of this officer. He displayed exemplary man management skills in keeping up the morale of the men placed under him against trying circumstances of living for indefinite duration in the glacier.

When the retrieval operation was finally launched Flt Lt BPS Cheema was called upon to undertake one of the most hazardous tasks of retrieval of the helicopter subÂ­assemblies by under slinging from 18100 ft. This involved meticulous and imaginative planning of camping, disassembly of helicopter, and load preparation for underslinging. The task of underslinging operation from such a high altitude was alien to both the ground crew and the aircrew. Flt Lt Cheema undaunted by the odds set upon this task most professionally. He meticulously planned each operation and briefed his men thoroughly. He drilled his men in the waiting period so thoroughly that a planned six days operation was carried out in three days. The load planning, preparation and the underslinging were personally carried out by this officer. He physically marshalled the aircrew over the loads and directed the hooking operations. Thus he managed to take out all six underslung loads in one day with clock-work accuracy and precision. This was a rare feat achieved by this officer's total professional approach.

For display of exceptional leadership, professional skill of a high order, outstanding devotion to duty and untiring zeal, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flight Lieutenant Bhupinder Pal Singh Cheema.

253819 Warrant Officer Syed Qutubuddin Ground Training Instructor/Parachute Jumping Instructor is on the posted strength of Paratroopers' Training School, AF since June 67 and performing the duties of Parachute Jumping Instructor. He has been closely associated with all facets of para training during his tenure. He has to his crdit a total of 815 parachute descents including 605 free fall descents, which is the highest number of free fall descents carried out by an individual in the country at present.

In September 1984, four indigenously manufactured free fall parachutes were offered by Research and Development Establishment for live trials. Warrant Officer Syed Qutubuddin was amongst the first lot of Parachute Jumping Instructors who undertook this courageous task. This trial enabled ADR&DE to proceed with the free fall users trials. This act of WO Syed Qutubuddin has contributed to further the Research and Development activity in this field in the country. He has set an example of absolute devotion to duty, outstanding standard of professional skill and exemplary courage by undertaking this assignment.

For his outstanding acheivments in the field of parachuting and his selfless devotion to duty, the Presidnet is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Warramt Officer Syed Qutubuddin.

Wing Commander Sat Dev Gupta (5529) Accounts was commissioned in the Accounts Branch on 1st June, 1958. He joined Air Force as B Com with Intermediate Chartered Accountancy and acquired LL B and Cost Accountancy qualification while in service, a rare combination of academic and professional qualifications in the field of finance and accounts.

He has served with distinction in two major Air Force Stations viz Jalahali and New Delhi, two major Wings, Air Force Academy and two Equipment Depots. He also served with rare competence and personal involvement at Maintenance and Western Air Commands.

In July 1983 Wing Commander Gupta was posted to Directorate of Financial Planning as Deputy Director Cost Analysis. He is also entrusted with the work of evaluation of all HAL financial proposals. He has taken very keen interest in streamlining, updating and analyzing the costing returns to arrive at realistic flying and training costs. His searching and critical examination of HAL cost quotations in consultation with Defence (Finance) yielded in reduction of over Rs. 56 Cr during 1984-85. It was solely due to him that a saving of Rs. 72 lakhs was achieved in profit elements payable to HAL for Jaguar and Bahadur aircraft. His advice to Ministry on assessment of income tax on license fee paid to British Aircraft Corporation for manufacturing Jaguar Aircraft would result in a refund of Rs. 87 lakhs.

With his exceptional capabilities and their maximum utilization for the benefit of service, a highly devoted and result oriented approach, Wg Cdr Gupta has maintained a very high standard of performance and has build up a highly motivated team which has achieved extra-ordinary results. For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Sat Dev Gupta (5529) Accounts.

Wing Commander Divaker Pande (5722) Administrative joined Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on deputation from Air Force as Assistant Director in July 1980. Since then, he has been supervising the work relating to a very sensitive aspect of terrorism viz., hijacking of aircraft and terrorist tactics. From the beginning, he displayed a very keen sense of involvement and application in this highly specialized task. He has not only very competently

handled day-to-day requirement pertaining to continued threat to national security from various terrorist groups and extremists but also rendered valuable services during the national emergency arising out of as many as seven hijackings of Indian/foreign aircraft during the past four years.

Wg Cdr Pande has also very ably and successfully organized a number of Security Orientation Courses for police officers from within the country and abroad, briefing for Central Government Ministries/ Departments personnel and Seminars for senior level officers of Air India, Indian Airlines, DGCA and AAI. Besides, he has played an active role in the monitoring and review of security arrangements at airports in the country. In this capacity, he has represented the Intelligence Bureau in the appropriate airport review committee meetings.

In all operational and other assignments, Wg Cdr Pande has always displayed unfailing zeal, exceptional devotion to duty especially at time of pressure and emergencies, professional competence of a very high order and has contributed greatly to the overall task of organization as a whole. In view of the high professional competence displayed by him, his continuous deputation was considered as asset to the Intelligence Bureau.

He has always displayed a very high degree of involvement, firm determination and result oriented approach to his work. Besides, he has a very humane approach to welfare of his subordinates. He has at all times been able to maintain their morale very high and has always delivered their best from them.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, selfless devotion to work, inspiring leadership, brilliant professional skill and overall distinguished services of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Wing Commander Divaker Pande the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Wing Commander Ganaprakasam James Williams (6383) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Dec 1961. He passed out of Air Force Technical College as the "Best in Aeronautical Engineering" of the course. He held various key appointments viz. Engineering Officer, Flight Engineer, Chief Engineering Officer, Officer Commanding Repair & Salvage Unit and Staff posts in Command and Air Headquarters with distinction. In the past, he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff in 1977 and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Headquarters Maintenance Command in 1971.

On being posted as Chief Planning & Coordinating Officer at a Base Repair Depot in Feb 83, he reorganized the complete planning Wing to make it goal oriented. In material planning, he ensured that all the daily requirement of spares (Consumable Automatic Replenishment System, Rotables etc) were packed in a kit as per the worksheet relating in that particular day's job and were made available to the technician before the commencement of the work. For this purposed he put the concept of kit marshalling into a real practice. Needless to mention that the depot could complete the full task well in advance and the entire credit for this goes to the unending efforts of Wg Cdr Williams.

For effective utilization of resources - men, material and machines - Wg Cdr Williams devised a system of quarterly forecasting, monthly planning and weekly schedule of production. Each schedule was daily monitored and re-scheduled to meet the available resources. This has paid a very high dividend in terms of depot morale since the technicians are fully aware of what they are required to produce and are fully equipped with these resources.

To keep the production going inspite of the difficulty in obtaining spares from abroad, Wing Commander Williams made a special drive in indigenous substitution of imported items. A special mention is made about his achievement in regard to Rubber items and Aircraft General Stores items.

It has been due to the efforts of Wg Cdr Williams, his intelligence and creative ideas that the Depot has been completing the full task since the time he has been posted to this Depot. He set a personal example of dedication and hard work which resulted in inspiration and enthusiasm to all the personnel of this Depot. His motivating techniques resulted in fulfillment of task which was instrumental in getting this Depot the "Best BRD" Trophy in 1984.

For his outstanding contribution and selfless devotion to duty of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ganaprakasam James Williams.

Wing Commander Vinod Kumar Parashar (6416) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Dec 61. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College Wellington and has held various Command and Staff appointments with distinction. Presently, he is holding the appointment of Production Planning and Co-coordinating officer at one of the Base Repair Depots.

In Nov 84, the Base Repair Depot was called upon to accomplish a unique engineering feat in the annals of our aviation history. The project called for modification of Mi-8 Helicopter for Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) by installing dispensing devices for spraying thousands of Ltrs of special fluid over a specific area in about thirty seconds. The time limit for accomplishing the task was very critical and the work had to be undertaken on a war footing.

The operational requirements (ORs) being very stringent project needed deep study and analysis. Wg Cdr Parashar went ahead methodically, carried out a number of experiments on the ground, using com pressed air pressure for spray initially. Further scientific study of various parameters brought about spectacular improvements. It needed indepth study of hydraulics, behavior of fluid spread under various conditions, particularly under helicopter hover to study the effect of down-draught. Installation of tanks, pumps and pipe structures etc was done ensuring rigidity under actual operational flying conditions. Final configuration could only be arrived at, after a number of unsuccessful attempts. Wg Cdr Parashar did not give up but went ahead with unflinching vigour using scientific methods.

As the time-schedule was very tight, Wg Cdr Parashar and his team put in prolonged hours of work extending beyond midnight hours which he did, disregarding personal comfort.

In the above task, Wg Cdr Vinod Kumar Parashar has achieved a rare distinction shown a very high degree of technical capability and devotion to duty. The President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ganaprakasam James Williams.

Wing Commander Amar Chand Sharma (6684) Dental was commissioned in the Army Dental Corps in August 1962. Throughout his 23 years of service he has acquitted him self with utmost distinction in a number of highly demanding assignments and conducted himself in exemplary manner in both professional and administrative capacitates. He holds Master's degree in Orthodontics from Lucknow University and a certificate of merit from American Society of Dentistry for children, Ohio University, USA. He stood first in the aviation dentistry course in 1967. Again he was placed first in senior Dental Officers' Course held at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune in 1970.

Wg Cdr AC Sharma has done extensive research on the craniofacial pattern of Gurkhas and Kumaonese in the Armed Forces. The norms established by him for them have revolutionized the concept of Orthodontic treatment in these ethnic groups. Besides this Wg Cdr Sharma has done a variety of other researches including two armed forces medical research committee projects which have gone a long way in improving professional standards in the Armed Forces Dental Services. He has presented numerous scientific papers at meetings of professional societies and won national acclaim.

Because of his outstanding qualifications, in 1982 he was appointed as an Orthodontist and Instructor to Officer trainees in advanced course in Orthodontics at the prestigious Armed Forces Dental Clinic, New Delhi. During his tenure at AFDC, Wg Cdr Sharma made numerous innovative changes in the concept of orthodontics treatment. His professional reputation has resulted in phenomenal increase in the number of personnel seeking corrective treatment for orthodontic problems. The average number of cases have gone up from 26 to 382.

Wg Cdr Sharma's professional competence came in for special mention during 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Operations, where he was actively involved in treatment of Mazillofacial war casualties.

He is the visiting Orthodontist to the Royal family of Bhutan. His outstanding performance received special mention from Royal family of Bhutan and the high dignitaries of that country.

In recognition of his professional competence of a very high order, devotion to service and dedication to duty and consistently outstanding performance beyond the normal call of duty, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Amar Chand Sharma.

Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Chauhan (6965) Logistics was commissioned in Jan 63. He is an outstanding sportsman and was specially selected to undergo training in National Institute of Sports, Patiala. He has rendered distinguished service in all the Command and Staff Appointments held by him.

He was in Command of An Air Stores Park from 30 Dec 82 to 08 Mar 85. ASP has an extremely vital role to play in providing the Lgs Support to operational units in the Western and Southwestern theaters. Normally, it deals mainly with aircraft spares and Automatic Replenishment System items. During the tenure of Wg Cdr RS Chauhan the workload of ASP multiplied many times. With the introduction of revised clothing policy, with most of the supplies being located in the North, Air Headquarters decided to use the ASP virtually as a clothing depot for receiving urgently required consignments and distributing them to the units all over the Air Force in order to ensure timely kitting of airmen. Due to shortage of storage accommodation Wg Cdr RS Chauhan had to devise his own methods for ensuring the fastest turnover since he was in no position to store the clothing items for any length of time. This task involved meticulous planning and long working hours for the ASP. It is to his credit of this officer that he motivated his men to rise to the occasion and comp leted all the extra tasks assigned to him.

He is a dynamic leader and has a great sense of responsibility. It was due to his leadership, zeal, devotion and total com mitment to the tasks in hand that the ASP, under his Command, was able to bag the Best Equipment Depot/Air Store Park Trophy for the first time.

For his distinguished service of a high order, his devotion to duty and loyalty to service, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Ranbir Singh Chauhan.

Wing Commander Subhash Krishnarao Parelkar (7145) was commissioned in the Flying (Navigator) Branch of the Indian Air Force in March 1963. He served with dis tinction in Transport squadrons and qualified as a Navigator instructor. Subsequently, he served in the Air Headquarters Communica tion Squadron where only aircrew of proven merits are posted. He has to his credit 4,645 hours and his flying proficiency has been graded as exceptional on two different occasions.

Since March 1991, Wg Cdr Parelkar has served as Deputy Director VIP Operations at Air Headquarters, throughout rendering exceptional service. In the wake of Lok Sabha elections, a challenging task was entrusted to him of planning and execution of tightly scheduled movements of fixed wing aircraft and helicopter for the tours of the Prime Minister covering as many as 190 helipads besides visits to several recognized airfields. The officer was responsible for coordinating these VVIP movements with Air Force Commands and was a single point contact for all civil agencies including the Ministry of Defence, Intelligence Bureau, State Governments and several others. Unmindful of his personal comfort, with a high sense of responsibility the officer had throughout put in work for almost 18 hours a day to organize those flights and monitored their progress for proper execution. He ensured compliance with all the flight safety considerations so vital in the execution of VVIP flights. It is largely a measure of his personal tact, organizing ability, purposeful intelligence and dedicated hard work that despite several last minute changes all VVIP and VIP flights were carried out smoothly thus winning the respect of several high government authorities. The efforts of the officer were highly appreciated by the Prime Minister himself.

Throughout, Wg Cdr Parelkar displayed exceptional sense of duty, efficiency and professional competence of an exceptional order. For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Subhash Krishnarao Parelkar.

Wing Commander Bipin Chandran Kurup (7505) Administrative was commissioned in the Jun 63 and inducted into air defence stream. With his extraordinary keenness and devotion to his profession, he attained professional categories in very short time.

During his tenure at two premier Signal Units he worked hard, much beyond the call of duty, to prepare and formulate training documents. Some examples of the officer's total involvement are the work done by him on a number of fighter controllers' notes. The notes prepared by him on the sophisticated radar, when it was inducted into service, are extensively used by all controllers even today. His zeal, organizing ability and devotion to duty had been instrumental in enabling his units to maintain a high category state of controllers, thereby improving the operational potential of the unit.

The officer with unflagging zeal and utmost devotion carried out his excellent work, when posted to the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He brought about many effective changes in the pattern of inspection, wherein realistic live and simulated exercises were undertaken for analysis of operational potential of units. He revised the syllabus and procedure of fighter controller's categorization scheme to meet the challenge of changing ground environment. Inspite of the busy inspection schedule, he always willingly involved himself in organizing professional activities, like workshops for examiners and publication of articles on professional subjects.

Wing Commander Kurup, with his keen intellect, professional acumen, untiring zeal, practical approach to problems and meticulous attention to details has made a significant contribution in improving the operational preparedness of Air Defence Units. The President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Bipin Chandran Kurup.

Wing Commander Manoj Ghosh (7641) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in Jul 63. Upto 1973 he was engaged in various duties in Signal units. In 1973, he was selected for training on advance radar at Thomson-CSF, France.

During the first installation of this advanced radar, IAF officers and airmen were imparted on-the-job training by French engineers on the system. Wg Cdr Ghosh had specialized in the transmitter system of this radar. Within a short period of time, by dedicated hard work and application he was able to master the transmitter system to such an extent that he was able to solve complicated problems faced during the installation even without the assistance of French engineers. The keen understanding, hardwork, sincerity and dedication shown by this officer during the period of installation of the first radar was highly commended by the Thomson-CSF engineers. Over the ensuing years he had improved upon this knowledge by dedicated application to his task as result of which he is today consulted as an authority on the transmitter system even by the manufacturers of this radar. Very often he had rendered expert advice to the manufacturer in solving problems faced by them during the process of manufacture and testing.

In order to effectively utilize the expertise gained by this officer in installation activities, Wg Cdr Ghosh was posted to a Radar System Installation Unit in Jan 83 as Commanding Officer. One such radar is being installed by the Radar System Installation Unit at a location in the Eastern Sector. This site is an isolated location with very poor communication facilities as a result of which Wg Cdr Ghosh had to function independently and set up from scratch the infrastructure required for installation of this magnitude. This involved not only coordination of al the activities pertaining to the radar system but also the civil engineering aspects connected with construction of various buildings constituting a totally new Air Force complex. The creditable manner in which this officer has been able to coordinate and execute the various activities has resulted in a new Signal Unit complex blossoming in this isolated location.

A smart and highly disciplined officer with very pleasing manners he has set a personal example for the officers under his command. For his high standard of professional skill, initiative, devotion to duty, ability for sustained hardwork and for his having rendered distinguished service throughout his service career, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Manoj Ghosh.

Wing Commander Awatar Krishan Zadoo (7922) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in Oct 63. He has been working as Command Ground Electronics Systems Officer at Headquarters Western Air Command, Indian Air Force since Dec 83. During his tenure, he has shown remarkable foresight, vision and high sense of perception in his job spectrum. He has completed successful tenures earlier as Senior Engineer (Electronics) at two major fighter stations, besides a challenging tenure as the first Chief Examiner (Electronics) at the Groundcrew Examination Board.

Due to his dedicated efforts, backed by technical knowledge of high order, Wg Cdr Zadoo was largely responsible for installation and operational availability of the first two indigenous produced high power mobile radars at operational sites in Northern sector. He displayed initiative and drive in coordinating efforts connected with providing technical advice, maintenance support and spares for bringing indigenously produced high power static radar to operational status.

The officer with his personal drive, initiative, professional zeal and unflinching devotion to duty has proved an asset to the Service. For his distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Awatar Krishan Zadoo.

Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Kalra (7999) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in Jul 64. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has held various Staff and Field Appointments with distinction. In his present appointment at Head quarters Eastern Air Command, he has rendered distinguished service of a high order.

Soon after taking over his responsibilities, he studied the problems afflicting the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, analyzed each aspect thoroughly and set about removing constraints and improving the maintenance activities. By his systematic and persistent efforts, serviceability of aircraft and helicopter under his charge has consistently improved over the months and now stands well above the serviceability targets fixed for Badal, Pratap, Chetaks and Cheetah aircraft.

Wg Cdr Kalra's efforts on the improvement of maintenance culture by enforcing correct technical practices have been very rewarding. He has been largely responsible for formulating the task of 'Action Groups' and 'Hazard Evaluation Teams', and a number of Command Maintenance Instructions. He had ensured through frequent visits to the field units that the servicing personnel did understand various technical instructions issued by Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters and strictly comply these instructions.

Wg Cdr Kalra has taken keen interest in the promotion of better quality control of aviation fuel. He organized courses with the assistance of Indian Oil Corporation, helped units in improving quality control laboratory and thereby brought about significant improvement of Quality Control set up, even in the remote Advanced Landing Grounds.

To accomplish the above tasks, he has displayed commendable enthusiasm, perseverance, anticipation, analytical power, staff work, organizing capability and professional competence of a very high order. For his dedication, hard work and significant contribution in improving aircraft serviceability, training and technical practices, the President is pleased to award the Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Jaspal Singh Kalra.

Wing Commander Dasari Jaya Paul (8361) Dental was commissioned on 05 Mar 44 as General Duty Dental Officer. Even when young and relatively junior in service, the officer displayed exceptional professional skill and his consistent endeavour was to enhance the Dental coverage qualitatively and quantitatively. For his exemplary professional standards he was commended by AOC-in-C WAC in Jan 72.

Presently he is commanding a Dental Centre in the Western Sector. The officer, through his cheerful and pleasant disposition, keenness to maintain sound professional standards and dedication to his profession in the form of service to the maximum number of personnel and their families, has built up a very high professional reputation amongst all personnel and their families. He has developed a rare blend of dedication to the service and compassion and sympathy for patients upholding the ethics of Medical profession worth of emulation. Being the only Dental Officer for over 12,000 AF personnel and families, he is often called upon to attend to patients at odd hours. He undertakes this task most willingly.

Wing Commander Dasari Jaya Paul (8631) Dental, for his exceptional dedication to the service, professionalism of a very high order to maintain the ethos of the Air Force community, sustained hard, cheerful and pleasant disposition even under adverse conditions, initiative, enthusiasm and exemplary conduct and behavior and example worthy of emulation has rendered distinguished service of a high order. The President is pleased to award him the Vishisht Seva Medal.

Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.

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